Lighting, Sound, and Framing for K-pop Online Introduction Video

A great performance can be ruined by bad video quality. The good news is that you don't need an expensive camera or professional equipment.

A phone, good lighting, clear sound, and the right camera angle are enough to make your audition look professional. Let's go through each one.

Lighting

Lighting is the easiest way to make your video look better. The best option is natural daylight.

Stand facing a window so the light shines on your face. If you're filming at night, use a soft lamp or ring light in front of you.

Avoid:

• standing with a window behind you,

• strong light directly above your head,

• dark rooms.

Judges need to clearly see your face and expressions. If they can't see you well, they can't properly judge your performance.

Sound

Clear sound is just as important as clear video. If judges can't hear your voice well, they can't judge your singing.

Film in a quiet room. Turn off anything that makes noise, like:

• fans,

• TVs,

• air conditioners,

• open windows if there's traffic outside.

Framing

Your camera angle should match your audition.

For a vocal audition:

• place the camera at eye level,

• show your head and upper body,

• make sure your face is easy to see,

• avoid using nad microphone, nothing should change your voice,

• never hold the phone in your hand while filming.

For a dance audition:

• place the camera farther away,

• show your entire body from head to toe,

• leave enough space so your movements stay inside the frame,

• Keep your camera steady, use a tripod if you have one. If not, place your phone on a stable surface.

A small camera trick: place your camera slightly lower - put it on the floor if it works for your setup, and angle it up just a little.

This can make you look taller, give your body better proportions, and create a more confident, stage-like look. Just don't tilt the camera too much. A slight upward angle is enough.

Choose a Simple Background

Your background shouldn't distract from your performance. A plain wall is usually the best choice. If that's not possible, choose a clean and tidy space.

Avoid:

• messy rooms

• bright decorations

• busy wallpaper

• people walking behind you

You should always be the main focus of the video.

Also, pay attention to what you're wearing. Your outfit should contrast with your background so judges can see you clearly.

For example:

• If your background is black, wear white or another light color.

• If your background is white, choose darker clothes.

Avoid clothes that blend into the background or have very busy patterns.

Film in a Studio If You Can

If you want your audition to look more professional, try filming in a dance studio or a vocal studio.

Dance studios usually have good lighting, large mirrors, clean backgrounds, and enough space to move freely. Vocal studios are designed for clear, high-quality sound, which is especially helpful for singing auditions.

You don't have to spend a lot of money. Many studios rent rooms by the hour.

You don't need a studio to pass an audition - many trainees have been accepted after filming at home. But if you have the option, a clean, professional space can make your audition look more polished and help judges focus on your performance.

Additional Advice

Here are a few simple tips that can instantly improve your audition video.

• Clean your camera lens before filming: a dirty lens can make your video look blurry. Wipe it with a microfiber cloth or a clean T-shirt before every take.

• Use the highest video quality your phone supports. If possible, record in 4K at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS. A sharper video helps judges see your expressions and movements more clearly.

• Use the back camera instead of the selfie camera. The back camera usually has much better image quality.

• Lock the camera's focus and exposure before you start recording. Tap your face on the screen (or use your phone's focus lock if available) so the brightness doesn't keep changing while you perform.

• Leave a little space above your head. If you're filming a vocal audition, don't crop the top of your head. A little space makes the framing look much more natural.

• Avoid using the ultra-wide camera. It can distort your body proportions. The regular camera lens usually gives the most natural result.

• Record in the format the company asks for. If they don't specify, use the standard camera format on your phone. Never switch between vertical and horizontal while recording.

• Leave a couple of seconds at the beginning and end of your video. Press record, wait about two seconds before starting, and wait another two seconds after you finish before stopping the recording. It makes your video look cleaner and more professional.